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Trust Me, You’ll Regret Skipping These 6 Tips Before Installing Composite Decking

January 16, 2025 15:19:23 Author: Emma Jones 3.4k

Composite decking is a popular choice for deck builds due to its low-maintenance and high-performance material composition. However, installing composite decking can be a daunting task for those w...

Composite decking is a popular choice for deck builds due to its low-maintenance and high-performance material composition. However, installing composite decking can be a daunting task for those who haven’t done it before. To help you get started, here are eight essential tips for installing composite decking.

6 Must-Know Tips for Installing Composite Decking

Installing composite decking is similar to installing traditional wood decking in several ways. For instance, composite decking and wood decking can be cut using the same tools, such as a miter saw or jig saw. Additionally, composite decking can be installed with top-down fasteners, which are a common choice for wood decking. However, there are some key differences between installing composite decking and wood, which we will cover later.

6 Must-Know Tips for Installing Composite Decking

1. Understand the Features of Composite Deck Boards

Deck Board Expansion and Contraction

Composite decking expands and contracts across its length with changes in temperature (rather than across its width like wood). To limit changes in length, cut your Feelingwood deck boards right before installation.

Deck Board Expansion and Contraction

Avoid Excessive Construction Debris

Excessive debris build-up such as dirt, sand, and dust from construction can become difficult to remove and may damage your boards if not cleaned right away. Minimize debris by installing composite deck boards at the end of your backyard renovation project.

Avoid Excessive Heat

Feelingwood decking should be kept away from heat sources, including sunlight reflected from energy-efficient window products, like low-emissivity (Low-E) windows, which can cause excessive heat build-up that damages your boards.

When installing composite decking, always consult the installation guide for your chosen deck board and fastener type before breaking ground on your project. The process for installing composite decking will vary depending on the type of board and fastener you’re using. Composite decking fasteners are typically either top-down fasteners (similar to those used in traditional wood decking installation) or hidden clip fasteners (used with grooved composite deck boards). By following these tips, you can ensure a successful composite deck installation.

Avoid Excessive Heat

2. Gather the Necessary Tools

Installing composite decking correctly requires the right tools. You’ll need safety glasses, fasteners for your substructure and decking, a spirit level to check that joists and blocking are level and in plane across the tops, a miter saw or jig saw, a hammer or mallet, flashing and joist tape to protect your substructure, and a drill. If you don’t own these tools, you can purchase or rent them from your local hardware store.

2.Gather the Necessary Tools for Installing Composite Decking

3. Ensure a Sturdy Substructure

Installing composite decking requires a properly installed and maintained substructure for lasting structural integrity. Before getting started, consider the scope of your project and your deck’s substructure. If you’re planning to upgrade your wood deck with composite deck, starting with a brand new substructure is the best path to take in most cases, unless your existing substructure is only a few years old and in mint condition.

When building a new substructure, use frost-proof footings to set your posts in if you live in a cold or four-seasons climate. Ensure proper deck joist spacing, making sure joists are level and in plane across the tops. Properly attach the ledger board (the board that connects your deck to your home) with the appropriate screws.

Ensure a Sturdy Substructure

If your deck substructure is in good condition, you can consider a resurfacing job, where you maintain your substructure and only replace your existing deck boards. However, you’ll need to ensure your substructure is healthy enough to last for the long haul with a thorough deck inspection. Remove your existing deck surface boards to get a good look at the substructure. A healthy substructure will be free of mold, mildew, and rot, and feature securely connected members (joists, blocking, ledger board, etc.) with the appropriate fasteners.

Minor issues with your substructure, such as a few loose fasteners or a damaged joist or two, can likely be repaired. However, more severe issues that affect your deck’s structural integrity, such as any rot in the ledger or posts, will likely warrant a full deck replacement. Do not install composite decking directly over wood boards, as this can cause serious issues for your overall deck structure.

To optimize for long-term performance, choose aluminum joist tape for full moisture protection

To optimize for long-term performance, choose aluminum joist tape for full moisture protection. The Feelingwood fast installation system comes with extensive aluminum joist tape, so you don’t have to worry about the possible rot of the joist caused by moisture. For Feelingwood Classic series decking, you can choose WPC joist for better moisture protection. If your substructure is made with traditional lumber which is vulnerable to moisture damage over time, we suggest you protect your substructure with joist tape.

4. Ensure Fastener Type

The process for installing composite decking varies based on the board and fastener type. There are two main types of composite decking fasteners: top-down fasteners, similar to those used in traditional wood decking, and hidden clip fasteners, used with grooved composite deck boards. Before starting your project, it’s crucial to consult the installation guide for your chosen deck board and fastener type.

If you're looking for the easiest way to build a deck, consider choosing Feelingwood Fast-Installation decking with nail-free fasteners.

For top-down fasteners, the installation process shares many best practices with traditional wood decking. These fasteners offer both visible and hidden options, making them versatile for various deck designs. If you’re looking for the easiest way to build a deck, consider choosing Feelingwood Fast-Installation decking with nail-free fasteners.

5. Give Your Deck a Finished Look With Fascia

    Fascia boards run along the perimeter of your deck, covering the rim joists and providing a sleek, seamless finish. Deck skirting, while related to fascia, covers the opening between the deck surface and the ground. Installing composite decking fascia boards will depend on your specific application, with two primary methods: flush with your deck surface for a clean finish, or just below your deck surface boards if you’re using a picture frame border.

    Fascia boards run along the perimeter of your deck, covering the rim joists and providing a sleek, seamless finish.

    6. Learn How to Make Your Build Easier

      With the best practices for installing composite decking in mind, it’s time to consider your deck design. Some designs are more complex to install than others, so here are some tips to keep things simple: choose a deck board and fastener combination you’re familiar with, and utilize standard joist spacing and blocking by laying your boards straight.

      Get More Resources for Installing Composite Decking

      Feeling ready to start your project? Dive deeper into our comprehensive guides, step-by-step installation tutorials, helpful video demos, finishing tips, and much more. If you have any questions, the Feelingwood Team is here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out!

      Get More Resources for Installing Composite Decking
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